For those of you who may not have seen my latest interview with Thomas Raymond, head on over to The Horror Tree.
The Horror Tree Presents… An Interview with Thomas Raymond
Enjoy.
Author: staceyjaine
Stacey Jaine McIntosh is a USA TODAY Bestselling Author who hails from Perth, Western Australia where she resides with her husband and their four children.
While her heart has always belonged to writing, she once toyed with being a Cartographer and subsequently holds a Diploma in Spatial Information Services.
When not with her family or writing she enjoys reading, photography, genealogy, history, Arthurian myths and witchcraft.
Winners of the Birthday Giveaway
So, in case you missed it, I’ve been running a little giveaway, which is now closed.
There were fifteen entries and according to random.org, the winners are as follows:
Kristin and Liv Miles
Kristin has won an electronic copy of Twisted and Liv, a copy of Twisted II. I hope you enjoy reading.
Thank You to everyone that participated and I’ll be reaching out to the winners shortly.
Epeolatry Book Review #6: C.H.U.D. Lives
The sixth review has dropped!
A collection of horror short stories compiled by Eric S Brown, called C.H.U.D. Lives
It was reviewed by Devon Sauve and given three out of five stars.
You can read it for yourself here.
Popular Hashtags For Writers
Do you ever find yourself wondering what writerly hashtags to use on Instagram and twitter? If the answer is yes, then look no further.
I’ve compiled a list that might help you navigate the never ending sea of confusion that surrounds hashtags.
Popular Hashtags For Writers
#AmEditing – a short version of “I am editing”
#AmWriting – a short version of “I am writing”
#AmReading – a short version of “I am reading”
#WritersWrite
#WritersRead
#IndieAuthors – independent authors need to use social media in their marketing strategy.
#NaNoWriMo – national novel writing month
#PubTip – publication tips
#SelfPublishing
#StoryStarter – a prompt for starting a story
#WordCount – used by writers who want to share their writing progress
#WIP – work in progress
#WritersBlock – used by writers who are suffering from writers block
#WritersLife – used by writers to add insight into life as a writer
#WritingPrompt – the perfect hashtag if you’re looking for inspiration
#WritingTip or #WritingTips or #WriteTip – used by writers who want to share tips about writing
#WriterMum or WriterMom – used by female writers who are also parents
#WritersfollowWriters – used for writers to follow other writers
#WritershelpingWriters
#WritingCommunity
There’s plenty more… like for example….
Day of the Week Hashtags
#MotivationMonday
#TeaserTuesday
#WIPWednesday
#ThrowbackThursday
#FollowFriday
#Caturday
#SundayFunday
Keep checking back, as when I come across other hashtags, I’ll update this post, but this is a good start for any writers out there lost in the sea of hashtags.
Birthday Giveaway
As it’s my birthday in 2 days, I thought I’d celebrate by hosting a giveaway.
Up for grabs is the following:
1 x ebook copy of Twisted, featuring two of my short stories, Red and The Summer Girl.
1 x ebook copy of Twisted II, featuring my short story The Wild Hunt.
To Enter:
Like this post and leave a comment below to be placed in the draw.
Entries close at midnight (Perth, WA Time) 2nd August 2018.
Winners will be announced at random courtesy of random.org. by midnight 3rd August 2018.
Down the Rabbit Hole… Part 2
Two and a half months ago, news broke about author Faleena Hopkins filing to trademark the word Cocky.
It angered the indie author community at large and many people spoke out, petitions were sent out and court dates were set.
And still Faleena defended her right to protect her stories… well finally it has come to an end. The trademark on the word Cocky is no more. Authors everywhere are rejoicing.
Now, that doesn’t mean we are entirely out of the woods yet, as I’ve seen other authors attempt to trademark other words and phrases.
I guess it’ll pay to be vigilant. But for now, it’s a win.
And if you missed it, here’s the latest video from Faleena surrendering her trademark… Click Here to Watch
Epeolatry Book Review #5: Arithmophobia
The fifth review has dropped!
A collection of short stories by Ruschelle Dillon entitled Arithmophobia.
It was reviewed by Alyson Faye and given five out of five stars.
You can read it for yourself here.
Missed Deadlines
And… I had this post all written out and then it got eaten by gremlins.
So, I’m forced to rewrite it.
24th of July on a personal level is hell. Every year I dread the clock ticking over to today because nobody likes to be reminded of tragic events in their past. I’m certainly no different.
And today, well today marks the anniversary of my mum’s rather unexpected passing. Worse… today marks 10 years since she passed away.
And it’s no less easier than the year before. It’s hard and sad, cause my kids don’t remember her… two never got to meet her… which is crappy.
Anticipating the sadness and tears and the general blanket fort and tv binge that was in store for me given the nature of today, I attempted to put a positive spin on today.
In doing so, I gave myself a deadline. Finish Nightshade by today. Sadly, that didn’t quite happen. Life, as they say, got in the way.
But I am closer to finishing the novel at least. Which is a good thing and I’m trying not to dwell on everything else. At least for the moment.
Since I wasn’t successful in my endeavour, I’ll leave you with a question to ponder, until next time…
What do you do when you miss a writing deadline? Let me know in the comments. Because I am rather curious and desperately in need of a distraction.
Drawing Inspiration from Dreams
Inspiration can strike at the most inconvenient of times. Often, I find myself drifting off to sleep and then an idea pops into my head, for a story or novel and I just have to write it down before I forget.
Other times, I’ll wake up in the morning or the middle of the night after the most interesting dream, and again I just have to write it down.
Why the hell wouldn’t you?
I know, I know. Drawing inspiration from a dream… It’s cliche, right? But what if it’s not? What if you have a really kick arse dream that is just the right fit for a story? With all it’s untapped potential, you should totally use it. It would be a shame not to.
Now, I’m not talking about making a full blown novel out of one teeny tiny dream , that might not be feasible but maybe you can get some mileage out of it to create a really cool short story.
You won’t know until you try.
I’ve done just that in the past, actually. Other times my dreams have been weaved into a single scene.
That’s the thing about inspiration. It can be found in the most unlikeliest of places. So, don’t go discounting or discrediting your dreams just yet. You might just be lucky enough to find that rare gem.
I have, a few times. So, I’ve written them down, stored for later use. Ready for when, I finally get around to expanding upon them.
Just last night I had a dream where some of my extended family all gathered together on my front lawn awaiting my return. I thought it was weird (and slightly annoying) that they’d come to my house without any prior warning. Upon waking, I still find it weird. But also curious. I can’t quite shake the feeling that there’s a message in this dream, as it was all just a little too real. But I’ll dwell on that aspect of it all tomorrow when I have a clearer head.
Submissions & Works in Progress
I just submitted a flash fiction piece to a flash fiction anthology moments ago. I have another longer piece that I’m writing and two other short stories on the back burner that I plan to write and submit to other anthologies if I get the time.
I might be juggling just a little too much currently.
Between several novel projects and short story projects, coordinating book reviews, writing up author interview questions (and trying to mix it up a little each time with each new author – not so easy) as well as keeping on top of three social media platforms and a blog. All while trying to keep up with a house, hubby, for kids… not to mention fulfilling job networking requirements when looking for suitable employment for part time work.
That’s the really sad part about this. Having spent the past eleven years raising kids, I’m kind of unemployable. And freelance work… as I’ve said before is kind of hit and miss. The jobs I have gotten, while promising to be ongoing have dried up after a month or two.
That said, I am hard at work making improvements to my novel The Winter Princess. It’s coming along slowly because there’s one PC for six people… and my children have found a few PC games that they like to play on weekends… so stealing time at night is very much my routine of late… unless the hubby beats me to it and steals it for himself.
And because I’m feeling generous, I’ve decided to share a small portion with you.
Here it is, the opening of The Winter Princess
The Winter Queen lounged on an icy crystalline throne as her gown of dark grey silk and taffeta billowed out around her. The hair piled atop her head held a darkness that paled the silk; the tiara of silver and sapphires shone in contrast. Having counted silently on my fingers, one hand held the sum of occasions that I had entered the drafty throne room before now. Setting foot here was unusual for me which led me to be painfully aware of every detail as I approached.
I hope you enjoyed it. If you did, let me know in the comments and maybe I’ll share more.
Writers Block and How to Prevent it
I come across a lot of writers complaining about writers block. They seem to all have one thing in common. How do you overcome it, and even better: How do you prevent it in the first place?
Firstly, some tips to overcome to overcome writers block.
– Go for a walk. A change of scenery and fresh air often brings about new ideas.
– Read a book. Often reading a book written by someone else is enough to trick the mind and get you in the mood to write again.
– Listen to music. Instrumental or songs with lyrics. Either can work.
– Create a routine. I’ve spoken of this before. Writing daily creates a habit, which in turn creates a want to write. A desire to write.
– Journal. Keeping a journal, while not fiction, is still writing and may help banish your creative block. At best, if it doesn’t banish your block, it will help clear your head.
Secondly, some tips on how not to overcome writers block.
– Television. It’s such a mindless activity but I do enjoy several tv shows. So to compensate I watch tv a little less. Or I write while watching tv.
– Refusing to write. While inspiration is one thing, you have to write something. Otherwise the well will just dry up. Don’t just wait around for you muse. Force her to show up.
– Procrastinating. Putting off writing is also not the way to overcome writers block. It’s the way to avoid it completely and counterproductive.
Lastly, the way to prevent writers block is quite simple. Really it is.
Pick up your pen (or go sit at your computer) and write.
And, if you’re still not convinced, try it.
Write about a memory. Write about something you saw while shopping… a person you met. Anything, as long as you write and don’t stop, stick with it. Because if you love writing, if it’s what truly drives you then it’s better to write something than nothing at all.
Twisted II Anthology is LIVE
IT’S RELEASE DAY!!!
Title: Twisted II Anthology
Compiled By: Gina A. Watson
Genre: Speculative Fiction
Where the twisted lurk and the horrors hide, will you find what lies within?
From horrifying demons and witches to ghosts haunting people and places. Strange creatures to strange places. If it’s twisted this anthology has it.
18 equally twisted stories by 19 amazing horror and paranormal authors.
Will you take the plunge into this twisted world?
Featuring authors…
Michael Young * Kelly Matsuura * Kerry E.B Black * Jack W. Finley * Jordanne Fuller * Jakki Hatchet * Liz Butcher * Duncan Swallow * Michael S. Walker * Aziza Sphinx * Shebat Legion * Beth W. Patterson * E.M. Valentine * Stacey Jaine McIntosh * Daniel J. Volpe * Scott Carruba * Carole Weave-Lane * Kerry Lee Holder * Gina A. Watson
Purchase Links…
There’s also a Release Party happening on Facebook here. Come along and say Hi!
The Wild Hunt
With 24 hours until the Twisted II Release Party, I thought I’d share with you the opening to my short story, The Wild Hunt. It appears in the anthology and ties into the world of my novels in the Eldritch Series.
If you like Celtic Mythology then I hope you’ll enjoy my tale as it’s steeped quite heavily in myth.
Here it is…
The wildwood swelled before my eyes. Fey and beast mingled together so much that it was hard to tell one from the other. The smell of death mixed with blood, dirt and fear, hung heavy in the air. Although the fear that I sensed around me was my own.
Ahead of me, sitting astride a huge black stallion, was my father, Herne. Instead of his usual leather kilt, he wore brown leather pants, while an antlered crown sat atop his head.
My older brother, Kit, sat next to me. The lure of the Wild Hunt bored him. I knew he had participated at least once. He had regaled me with stories that were scary enough I’d had nightmares for weeks afterwards. What was even more frightening to me, was the knowledge that fey couldn’t dream. Or have nightmares, because nightmares were the stuff of dreams. Dreams were mundane things. Human things, or so Kit had told me one night when I’d awoken him with the sound of my screams. I was not human.
Everything about me said faerie, so my ability to dream was strange.
I hope you enjoyed it and please do purchase a copy. My full story clocks in at almost 3,000 words. It will be available on Amazon on Friday, 13th July 2018.
Opening Lines, Part 2
Earlier this month I shared a story prompt with you all. I hope it gave some of you some inspiration to start something new, as it did for me.
I wasn’t planning on starting anything new but this is what happened when I sat down to write.
I knew that sound. Dragons. They were flying directly above, their wings beating rhythmically against the wind.
I looked up, the dragon itself was unrecognisable from my spot on the hill.
As it circled over head, I knew landing was imminent.
It’s the beginning of Book 9, Ironheart, which centres around the daughter of Lancelot and Guinevere. Both of whom are dead at this point in the timeline.
I know, I know, for those of you who know anything of the Arthurian Legends, you’ll know that Lancelot and Guinevere never got their happily ever after. But they did have a long lasting affair. This is a play on that. I’m a big fan of what if’s in my novels.
I can’t give too much more away without spoiling it. Other than to say their daughter winds up at the residence of the Lady of the Lake and while there Vivienne being Vivienne meddles in things she has no right to meddle in. A girl’s future. Which brings a tonne of drama and old characters resurface etcetera. I’d been looking for a happily ever after for one of my minor characters, who until recently I thought was going to end up sad and alone, but I think he just might be the fix for Vivienne’s meddling ways.
We’ll see, it’s all subject to change at this point.
Using Instagram as an Indie Author
Instagram.
It’s a powerful and fun visual tool. It can help you to promote your books and your author brand. While not as fast paced as Twitter it’s still quite active.
I’ve managed to grow my Instagram account quite steadily over the last year.
Some tricks I’ve learnt during my time on Instagram are:
Post to Instagram at least once a day.
I’ve only been posting daily since April but I have seen results.
Don’t be afraid to mix it up. I switch between inspirational writing quotes to inspirational images, writing snippets and character inspiration. Occasionally, I post about my kids. I am a mum after all.
Do keep it on brand and relevant. Of course what’s relevant to you might not be relevant to another writer, but that’s okay.
Share what’s important to you. Your goals and achievements. Big or small. It doesn’t matter.
Don’t be afraid to share yourself with your audience. Whether it be highs or lows. Invite people to know the real you. As much or as little as you want. It’s up to you, but including people in your journey is how you get people to connect because they feel a part of the process and it’s with those connections that you begin to make an impact on somebody else’s life.
Most of all…
Dont forget to have fun!